The model of Leonardo Da Vinci for his artwork “Mona Lisa” is still a mystery in this technologically advanced civilization. Silvano Vinceti, an Italian art historian, theoretically suggests that the “Mona Lisa” painting model is a man named Gian Giacomo Caprotti also known as Salai. Vinceti made his theoretical explanation during a press conference in Rome on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.

Image Credit: Artchive.com

After the press conference, it was reported that search engines became busy for the keywords “da vinci salai” and “gian giacomo caprotti.”

Several names has already been floated for centuries to link them as the model for the Leonardo Da Vinci‘s “Mona Lisa.” The names include Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant, Isabella of Aragon, and da Vinci himself.

In the early part of 2011, Vinceti revealed his discovery of the letter “S” in the left eye and letter “L” in the right eye of “Mona Lisa.” He added that there is a number “72” under the bridge in the background. However, these images are not visible to the naked eye and needs sophisticated scientific equipment to see it.

Vinceti believes that Salai is not the only inspiration for the famous art work. The Italian art historian suggested the art work’s multiple inspiration by saying that ” ‘Mona Lisa‘ must be read at various levels, not just as a portrait.”

Below is part of Silvano Vinceti‘s explanation about his theory that the Mona Lisa model is Salai, a male apprentice and reportedly a lover of da Vinci.

Salai was a favorite model for Leonardo.

Leonardo certainly inserted characteristics of Salai in the last version of the ‘Mona Lisa.’

Vinceti also emphasized the similarities between the noses and mouths in the Mona Lisa artwork and that of Salai.